Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a familiarization visit to the newest Indian aircraft carrier INS Vikrant (R11). During the visit, he observed the operation of Russian MiG-29K(KUB) fighters and familiarized himself with other equipment in service with the Indian Navy.
The Prime Minister's attention to the Russian MiG-29K underscores their significant role in India's carrier strike force. Despite their maturity, carrier-based fighters remain a key element of the fleet's defense and are capable of performing a wide range of tasks, from gaining air superiority to striking ground and surface targets.
It is assumed that the visit included discussions on the modernization of the aircraft fleet and the possible purchase of additional aircraft, including promising developments. India is actively considering various options to strengthen its carrier-based aviation, striving to ensure its technological superiority in the future.
As a reminder, the new R11 Vikrant became the second aircraft carrier in the current composition of the Indian fleet, along with the aircraft carrier R33 Vikramaditya (formerly "Admiral of the Fleet of the Soviet Union Gorshkov"), which also participated in the event.
MiG-29K is a Soviet/Russian carrier-based multirole fourth-generation fighter, a development of the MiG-29 project. The first combat aircraft in the USSR capable of taking off from and landing on a ship's deck in the usual way - with a takeoff and landing run.
Earlier, www1.ru reported that India has requested additional missiles from Russia for the S-400 air defense system.